The automotive landscape is continually evolving, with manufacturers striving to deliver both innovation and value within various segments. One area of particular interest for many consumers is the premium compact class, where the lines between comfort, performance, and technology are increasingly blurred. In the accompanying video, a detailed examination of the 2020 Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced is provided, directly posing the question: Is this indeed the better Golf 8?
This article expands upon the video’s insights, offering a comprehensive review of the Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced, focusing on its design, interior, technological advancements, and driving dynamics. Potential buyers often seek a vehicle that balances everyday practicality with a touch of luxury, and this review aims to provide a deeper understanding of whether the A3 truly hits that mark, especially when compared to its close relative, the Volkswagen Golf 8.
Audi A3 Design: A Statement on the Road
Upon first glance, the design of the new Audi A3, particularly in the Advanced trim, is often cited as a significant improvement over its segment rivals. While the Golf 8’s design has received mixed reviews, the A3 has been lauded for its more refined and premium aesthetic. The large Audi Singleframe grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by silver-accented air inlets that contribute to a commanding presence. These design elements are carefully integrated, giving the vehicle a sophisticated yet sporty appeal, even in its near-base specification.
A key enhancement noted in the video is the inclusion of LED headlights as standard across all new Audi A3 models. While the base LED units may not offer the intricate animations of the higher-tier Matrix LED headlights, their presence ensures modern illumination and a sleek visual signature. The distinctive ‘tack’ design at the bottom of the headlights hints at advanced lighting capabilities available in more premium versions, such as the S3 or upcoming RS3, where dynamic light animations are featured. Furthermore, subtle design cues like the horizontal ‘slit’ on the hood, reminiscent of the Audi Urquattro (and more pronounced in S-Line trims), add to the A3’s unique character.
The side profile of a vehicle is crucial for its overall aesthetic, and the Audi A3 makes a strong impression here. Unlike some compacts that may appear narrow, the A3 utilizes clever design lines along its shoulder to create an illusion of width and robustness. This “broad shoulder” effect is particularly evident when viewed through the side mirrors, contributing to a substantial and premium feel. As the eye moves towards the rear, the car maintains a stem-like, grounded stance, belying its compact dimensions. The standard 17-inch cross-spoke wheels, included with the Advanced trim, are observed to complement the vehicle’s design well, providing a balanced and attractive stance without needing additional upgrades. However, the rear design introduces a point of contention with the use of ‘fake’ exhaust bezels, which are merely decorative rather than functional, a design choice that is often met with criticism in modern premium vehicles.
Stepping Inside the Audi A3: Comfort and Practicality
The interior of the new Audi A3 is where perceptions of premium quality are truly tested, and the video offers a nuanced perspective. While the overall layout and design aesthetics are generally pleasing, there are specific areas where material choices have led to criticism. The trunk, for instance, offers a maximum volume of 380 liters, which on paper is quite similar to the Golf 8. However, in practical use, the A3’s boot is perceived as significantly larger and more usable. Audi’s typical attention to detail is evident in the softer, more premium-feeling carpets in the boot area compared to VW models, but this contrasts sharply with the surprisingly flimsy and thin parcel shelf, described as being made of “very, very strange thin cardboard.”
Storage solutions in the boot include two small side compartments, two lashing eyes, and a 12-volt socket, alongside dual LED boot lighting, which are considered adequate. For those needing more space, the spare wheel well offers additional storage, and the option for a subwoofer from the Bang & Olufsen sound system is available here. The false boot floor can also be raised to create a nearly flat loading area, enhancing practicality. When the rear seats are folded down, the overall luggage capacity is deemed “absolutely sufficient” for a compact car, emphasizing the A3’s utility for various needs.
Moving to the rear passenger compartment, the Audi A3 Sportback (now the only available body style) provides easy access with doors opening almost 90 degrees. The seats are noted as “relatively soft,” yet passengers often feel quite upright, which can lead to discomfort on longer journeys. The video highlights a personal experience where passengers on a 1500 km trip complained about the rear seats’ lack of comfort, suggesting that while the space is good for a compact, the standard seats may not be ideal for extended travel. Rear comfort features include electric windows, storage pockets with nets, and two USB-C ports, along with air vents. A notable omission for a premium compact is the lack of a standard center armrest, which is only available as an optional extra and would typically include additional cupholders.
A significant point of concern raised in the video is the material quality on the rear door panels. These are entirely constructed from hard plastic, from top to bottom, including the door handles, which only mimic an aluminum look. This contrasts unfavorably with some competitors, such as the Skoda Kamiq, which offered softer touch materials and real metal door handles for a lower price point. Such material choices are perceived as a departure from Audi’s premium aspirations and a “step backward” from previous generations, an observation paralleled in the Golf 8. This reflects a broader trend within the Volkswagen Group, where cost-cutting measures may be prioritizing digitalization over traditional interior quality.
Driver’s Environment and Infotainment Excellence
The driver’s environment in the Audi A3, accessed via standard Keyless Go on all four doors, presents a blend of advanced technology and mixed material impressions. The standard comfort seats, though offering electric adjustment for the driver and adjustable thigh support, were found to be less than ideal during a 1500 km test drive. Criticisms included insufficient lateral support and general discomfort, prompting a recommendation for the optional S-Line seats, which are suggested to be significantly more comfortable. The dashboard and upper sections of the door panels are slightly padded, but much of the lower cabin, including parts of the center console and glove compartment opener, are composed of hard plastic. However, the glove compartment is at least lined with felt, a small detail often missing in competitors.
The digital experience is central to the modern Audi A3. The new light switch, now a touch-sensitive panel rather than a rotary knob, represents a shift towards digital controls, though its functionality is considered adequate since most drivers leave lighting on “auto.” The steering wheel, a three-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function unit, offers a “Plus function” and houses controls for the standard Virtual Cockpit. This fully digital instrument cluster, praised for its classic round instrument appearance coupled with a central navigation map display, is a highlight. While a larger Virtual Cockpit Plus is optional, the standard version offers most core functionalities, including navigation, media, and vehicle data displays. However, a minor quibble was the navigation’s tendency to zoom out automatically in the Virtual Cockpit, making immediate route details less clear, even when disabled on the main MMI display.
The 10.25-inch MMI navigation screen dominates the center console, lauded for its high resolution, vibrant colors, and smooth animations. Despite its visual appeal, functionality issues were noted, particularly with Bluetooth and Android Auto connectivity, which occasionally required re-pairing or experienced disconnections. The integrated navigation system is fast at route calculation and responds well to voice commands but often struggles to detect real-time traffic, leading to a preference for Google Maps via Android Auto, albeit without the benefit of mirroring the map in the Virtual Cockpit. A significant positive, contrasting with the Golf 8, is the presence of a dedicated, physical climate control panel. This intuitive interface with clear buttons and toggles for temperature and seat heating is easy to operate “blindly” after a short familiarization period, greatly enhancing user experience. Further down, two USB ports (one Type-C and one standard USB) and an inductive charging pad for smartphones provide modern connectivity. The shift-by-wire DSG lever, a compact and purely electronic selector, frees up console space. The new Audi volume knob, a small rotary control, is generally reliable, though an analog alternative might be preferred by some. A major point of criticism is the omission of the Auto Hold function as standard, requiring an additional purchase of €77.99, a feature that was standard on the Golf 7 since 2012, marking it as a perplexing cost-saving measure in a premium vehicle.
Technology Under the Hood: The Mild-Hybrid Advantage
The Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced is equipped with a 1.5-liter E-TSI engine featuring a mild-hybrid system, underpinned by a 48-volt electrical architecture. This setup includes a belt starter generator (BSG), which plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and smoothness. The BSG allows for extremely smooth engine starts, eliminating the typical jarring sensation associated with conventional starters. This seamless integration with the 7-speed S-Tronic DSG gearbox results in a driving experience described as “perfect,” with no noticeable jerks during acceleration or gear changes, even under load. The engine is capable of shutting off during coasting at speeds as low as 20 km/h, entering a “sailing” mode where the engine is completely disengaged, yet re-engages imperceptibly when acceleration is required. This system aims to improve fuel efficiency and overall refinement.
Despite the advanced mild-hybrid technology, the real-world fuel consumption appears to be largely consistent with non-hybrid versions of the 1.5-liter TSI engine found in other Volkswagen Group vehicles. The video presenter reported an average consumption of around 7.0-7.3 liters per 100 km, which aligns with figures observed in the Skoda Kamiq and Golf 7 Variant equipped with the same engine but without the mild-hybrid system. This indicates that while the mild-hybrid system significantly enhances driving smoothness and potentially reduces emissions, its direct impact on fuel economy in everyday driving conditions, particularly at higher speeds (e.g., 150-160 km/h on the Autobahn), may be less pronounced than one might expect. Spritmonitor data, as referenced, further supports this observation, showing near-identical consumption figures for both hybrid and non-hybrid variants under similar driving styles, including a mix of highway and city driving.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics and Daily Use
The driving experience in the Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced is characterized by a blend of comfort, stability, and moderate sportiness. The chassis is tuned to be slightly more dynamic than that of the Golf, with a noticeably stiffer steering feel. This configuration allows for high cornering speeds while maintaining a sense of security, though the overall impression leans more towards comfort than outright sportiness. The 1.5-liter TSI engine, with 150 PS, is generally considered sufficient for the A3’s weight, providing good acceleration on country roads and in urban environments. However, the video highlights that when attempting overtakes at higher speeds on the Autobahn (around 130-140 km/h) or on inclines, the engine can take a moment to “get up to speed,” indicating that while adequate, it is not overtly powerful.
The adaptive cruise control (ACC) system in the new Audi A3 is generally praised for its effectiveness and comfort features. It can automatically adopt speed limits detected by traffic sign recognition and will proactively reduce speed before curves or on rural roads to maintain an ideal velocity. This predictive capability contributes to both comfort and fuel efficiency by minimizing the need for manual braking, leveraging engine braking and recuperation from the belt starter generator when descending or decelerating. The ACC system is operated via a dedicated stalk, which is intuitive after a short familiarization period. However, a significant drawback is that speed adjustments are limited to 10 km/h increments above 60 km/h, a feature that the presenter wished could be finer-tuned in 5 km/h steps, unlike the Golf’s more granular 1 or 2 km/h adjustments.
While the ACC offers commendable comfort, the traffic sign recognition system sometimes exhibits inconsistencies. Instances of misidentifying speed limits or suddenly braking to an incorrect 5 km/h limit in a 50 km/h zone were reported. Similarly, the lane-keeping assist, while generally effective and less intrusive than in some competitors (like the Skoda Kamiq), occasionally required manual override. One specific incident involved the system prompting the driver to “take over steering” even with both hands on the wheel during a curve on the Autobahn. Despite these minor glitches, which are potentially attributed to software issues or environmental factors like light reflections affecting camera sensors, the driver assistance systems collectively contribute positively to safety and convenience in the Audi A3, making it a reliable companion for daily commutes and longer journeys alike.
Evaluating the Audi A3: Pros, Cons, and the Premium Question
The Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced presents a compelling package in the premium compact segment, yet it comes with a distinct set of strengths and weaknesses that challenge its “premium” status. Objectively, the vehicle’s powertrain—the 1.5-liter E-TSI engine combined with the 7-speed S-Tronic—is a standout. The mild-hybrid system and belt starter generator facilitate an incredibly smooth driving experience, virtually eliminating start-stop jolts and making engine cut-offs during coasting imperceptible. This combination is lauded as “almost perfect,” delivering consistent performance and a reported fuel consumption of around 7 liters per 100 km under mixed driving conditions, which is considered reasonable for its 150 PS output. The vehicle’s driving dynamics, characterized by a well-tuned chassis and responsive steering, contribute to a secure and comfortable ride, capable of handling high cornering speeds without feeling overly aggressive.
On the positive side, several aspects of the new Audi A3 are highly commendable. The exterior design is often preferred over the Golf 8, deemed more attractive and sophisticated. The perceived larger and more usable trunk space, despite similar paper specifications, adds significant practicality. The physical climate control panel is a notable advantage, offering intuitive and tactile operation compared to touch-based interfaces. Furthermore, the predictive ACC system, with its ability to adapt to speed limits and adjust for curves, is highlighted as a fantastic comfort feature making its way into the compact class. The standard inclusion of LED headlights and the fully digital Virtual Cockpit, even in its base form, ensures a modern and technologically advanced user experience.
However, the Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced is not without its significant criticisms. A prominent issue raised is the perceived loss of “emotion” in the driving experience. While undoubtedly a competent and comfortable daily driver, it is described as “almost too perfect,” leading to a somewhat “boring and emotionless” feel behind the wheel. This lack of engagement suggests that for drivers seeking a more spirited connection with their car, the A3 might fall short. The interior quality, particularly the widespread use of hard plastics in the rear door panels, is viewed as a major disappointment, undermining Audi’s long-standing premium reputation. This “step backward” in material quality is observed across several new Volkswagen Group models, indicating a shift in manufacturing priorities.
The MMI infotainment system, while visually impressive with a high-resolution display and smooth animations, faces criticism for its sometimes-hidden functionalities and occasional connectivity issues (e.g., with Android Auto dropping out or needing re-pairing). The voice recognition, though functional, is also noted as not being on par with systems found in rivals like the Mercedes A-Class. Finally, the pricing and standard equipment policy are significant drawbacks. With a base price around €30,000 and the tested model reaching approximately €38,000 without many “extraordinary” features (like active lane keeping assist or a blind spot monitor), the value proposition is questioned. The absence of basic amenities like a standard Auto Hold function (an €77.99 extra) and a center armrest is particularly highlighted as a “freakish” omission in a premium compact car, especially given that such features were standard in previous generations of comparable vehicles like the Golf 7. The standard comfort seats are also noted for their discomfort, further underscoring the need for careful consideration of optional extras when configuring an Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced.
Settling the Debate: Your A3 vs. Golf 8 Questions
What car is being reviewed in this article?
This article provides a comprehensive review of the 2020 Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced (8Y model), a premium compact car.
What kind of engine does the Audi A3 35 TFSI Advanced use?
It is equipped with a 1.5-liter E-TSI engine that features a mild-hybrid system, utilizing a 48-volt electrical architecture for smoother operation.
How is the design of the Audi A3 described?
The Audi A3, especially in the Advanced trim, is lauded for its refined and premium aesthetic, featuring a large Audi Singleframe grille and standard LED headlights.
What is a notable feature about the climate controls in the Audi A3?
A significant positive is the presence of a dedicated, physical climate control panel, which offers intuitive and tactile operation compared to touch-based interfaces.
Does the mild-hybrid system make the Audi A3 much more fuel-efficient?
While the mild-hybrid system greatly enhances driving smoothness, its real-world impact on fuel consumption is largely consistent with non-hybrid versions of the same engine, averaging around 7.0-7.3 liters per 100 km.
